Bucket lists seem to be the target of some derision these days, the assumption made that people who have bucket lists and make travel plans from their bucket lists are somehow rushing through travel in the quest of a checkoff. Far be it from me to tell anyone how to travel – different strokes for different folks, after all – and I proudly embrace my personal bucket list.

If you want to create your own bucket list, you may want to follow my approach. I started writing down places I wanted to go, things I wanted to see and do, and experiences that caught my eye. I set a top limit of 100 things, because, let’s face it, I could go on forever.

With the parameters in mind, I just started writing. It took a few weeks to come up with my list and I spent some time daydreaming, researching, and talking with friends. I included big dream bucket list items like a safari in Africa and an around-the-world cruise, as well as more practical experiences like visiting a lighthouse in Maine and enjoying chili in New Mexico. I even include some off-the-wall ideas like riding a camel and having an audience with the Pope.

My bucket list is ever-changing – when something is accomplished or I’ve changed my mind about it, it gets crossed off the list and something new is added. There is nothing rush-rush about my bucket list and the continual nature of how the bucket list evolves means that I will never accomplish everything on the list.

I’m fine with that!

Here are the things that I crossed off my bucket list in the last two years (it’s been that long since I’ve updated it, you can see it here.) It’s a paltry check-off this time. And I’m fine with that, too!

I visited Nashville Tennessee, in April 2018, including a terrific time at the Grand Ole Opry (and spending a weekend in Opryland). You can read about that experience here.

I visited Charleston, South Carolina, in September 2017, enjoying great food and a ghost tour.

Visited two new states: Tennessee and Oklahoma. Current count: 36.

Pin this to Pinterest for help in creating your own list, whether you call it a bucket list, a to-visit list, a to-do list, or any other darn thing you want.

Here is my newly updated Travel Bucket List, a total of 100 items with new items replacing those I have crossed off. If you want to join me or help in checking off any of these things in 2019, get in touch! Note that this list is in no particular order.

Member: SATW

2019 Travel Reading Challenge

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